Read the story before publication and help shape the next stage of the adventure. Mathatar is now entering one of the most important stages of its journey: reader feedback.
Before a book reaches agents, publishers, schools, libraries or young readers, it needs something invaluable — honest responses from real people.
That is where beta readers come in.
I am looking for a small group of thoughtful readers to read Mathatar — Book One and share feedback on the story, characters, pace, clarity, emotional impact and overall reading experience.
You do not need to be a maths expert.
In fact, you definitely do not need to be a maths expert.
You simply need to enjoy stories, be willing to give honest feedback, and understand that this is a work in progress being shaped for its next stage.
What you will be reading
Mathatar is an upper middle grade / lower YA adventure story for readers aged roughly 11–14 and curious adults.
It follows fourteen-year-old Maya, who discovers that reality is beginning to distort through tiny mathematical glitches known as mathslips.
A digital clock loses digits. A shopping list changes its quantities. A decimal point slips out of place.
Then Maya learns the truth: mathematics is not simply something humans use to describe the world. It is part of what keeps reality stable.
When her grandfather’s fox-red Labrador, Fella, chases a rabbit through a hidden portal, Maya follows and finds herself in ancient Ur — a city where counting, measuring, trading and record-keeping are essential to everyday life.
There, alongside Aya, Fletcher, Grandad and Fella, Maya must confront the Null: faceless forces that are stealing mathematics from history.
If numbers, patterns, proof and structure disappear, reality itself may not survive.
What Beta Readers Will Be Asked to Do
Beta readers will be asked to read the manuscript and complete a short feedback form afterwards.
You may also be invited to share additional comments by email if you would like to.
You will not be expected to proofread every comma or correct grammar line by line, although you are welcome to flag anything obvious.
This is mainly about story experience.
The main things I’ll be asking about are:
Did the opening make you want to keep reading?
Did Maya feel believable and engaging?
Did Fella add warmth, humour and heart?
Did the ancient Ur setting feel clear and interesting?
Did the idea of mathslips make sense?
Did the maths feel naturally part of the story?
Were there any places where the pace slowed?
Were there any confusing moments?
Which scenes, lines or characters stayed with you?
Would you want to read Book Two?
Important Note for Parents and Young Readers
For young beta readers
If the beta reader is under 16, a parent or guardian must apply on their behalf and be involved in the process.
The manuscript will be shared with the parent or guardian, who can then decide how best to manage the reading and feedback.
Young readers’ reactions are extremely helpful, especially because Mathatar is written with readers aged around 11–14 in mind.
A young reader does not need to write a long review. Simple, honest answers are often the most useful:
“I liked this character.”
“I got confused here.”
“This bit was funny.”
“I wanted more of this.”
“I didn’t understand what was happening in this scene.”
That kind of feedback can make the book stronger.